Lighting apparatus



Oct. 26, 1937. s. F. ARBUCKLE LIGHTING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 15, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR Jam/e/ E/lrbuc/r/e IIIII IILIIILIl/Lll! ,IILII ORNEY Oct. 26,- 1937. 5 ARBUKLE 2 ,097,399

LIGHTING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 13, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR J'amue/ f Arbuc/r/e ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 26, 1937 UlTED STATES LIGHTING APPARATUS Samuel F. Arbuckle, Highland Park, Mich, as-

signor to United Lens Corporation,

Detroit,

5 Claims.

This invention relates to vehicle headlamps and is more particularly directed to means for controlling the light beams projected from such headlamps.

An object of the invention resides in the provision of means for utilizing substantially all of the rays from the light source and thus permitting the use of smaller headlamps to give desirable or necessary road illumination.

A further object of the invention contemplates the provision of a supplementary reflector so positioned with respect to the light source that substantially all of the rays of light emitting from the light source are reflected and are projected forwardly in a substantially cylindrical beam.

An object resides in the provision of a supplemental light reflecting unit wherein means are provided to locate a source of light and a supplemental reflector in predetermined fixed relation with respect to the focus of the light projecting apparatus with which the unit may be incorporated.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of means for mounting and maintaining the supplemental reflector in proper position with respect to the position of the light source.

A still further object of the invention contemplates the provision of a plurality of light sources for producing beams of different angularity and intensity each of which is greatly amplified through the utilization of a supplemental reflector for redirecting and controlling otherwise unreflected rays.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as Will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawings of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a headlamp with portions broken away illustrating a form of the invention as incorporated therein;

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail view of the supplemental reflector unit taken substantially on a line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary detail view taken substantially on a line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view showing a detail of the reflector shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a sectional detail view taken substantially on a line 5-5 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a sectional detail view taken substantially on a line 6-45 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a sectional detail View taken substantially on a line 'l-l of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view illustrating another form of the invention;

Figure 9 is a front View of the structure illustrated in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional detail view taken substantially on a line ill-ill of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a sectional view showing a further modified form of the invention;

Figure 11a is an enlarged fragmentary View of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 11;

Figure 12 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line lit-I2 of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an end view of the reflector unit illustrated in Figure 11; I

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic illustration of the invention showing the position of the supplemental reflector with respect to the light sources;

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic illustration of the invention showing the path of certain beams projeoted by one of the light sources;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 12 showing the path of certain beams projected by another of the light sources.

Though the invention has been illustrated as incorporated for use with an automotive vehicle headlight it is to be understood that its use is 30 contemplated wherever it may be found to have utility.

Referring to the drawings and particularly Figure 1 thereof, a headlamp structure of my invention has been illustrated as having an exterior casing is carried upon a suitable support or bracket l2. The open end of casing ll) is suitably closed by means of a lens M by means of a circular rim l6 secured to the casing in any desirable manner. Supported within the casing I0 is a main reflector l8 preferably of parabolic form, it being understood however that other types of main reflectors may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the invention. The reflector I8 is provided with a central opening 30 to accommodate a light bulb- 20 which has a plurality of independently usable light sources or filaments 22 and 24, the bulb supporting means being arranged so that one filament, preferably the lower filament 22, is substantially on the 50 axis A of the reflector l8.

The reflector I8 is provided with a central recessed portion 23 adjacent and surrounding the opening 30 and about which are spaced a plurality of comparatively small openings 32. A socket member or connector 36 is mounted adjacent the rear side of the recess 28 and is connected to a source of energy by means of the conductors 40 in a suitable manner. The socket has a flange member 3! thereon which is provided with a plur'ality of spaced openings 39. Means are provided .to properly position the socket 35, with respect to the reflector I8 by a plurality of pins 34, which project through the openings 32 and 39. The pins 34 have enlarged portions 42 and 44 serving as stops to hold the socket 36 in spaced relation With respect to the rear of the reflector I8, the portions 44 being positioned forwardly of the recessed portion of the reflector tosupport the bulb as will hereinafter more fully appear. Springs or resilient members 46, carried by each of the pins 34, are mounted between the socket flange 3! and reflector and urge the socket rearwardly, as illustrated in Figure 1.

The base as of bulb 20 is provided with a circular flange or projection 52 which serves as means to accurately position the bulb with respect to the reflector I8 and socket 36. This flange 52 is preferably secured to the base of the lamp bulb in such a manner that the distance from the vertical axis through the filaments to the flange is maintained uniform so that the bulbs and flanges affixed thereto are interchangeable without necessitating any adjustment of the bulb. This flange also provides an accurate positioning point for the supplemental reflector unit of applicants invention as hereinafter explained, The filaments in bulb 20 are thus maintained at their most critical points, the lower filament 22 being at the focus of the reflector I8, and the upper filament 24 being directly above the filament 22. The flange 52 is provided with elongated slots 54, the enlarged open portions 56 being of sulficient size to receive the heads 44 of pins 34. The bulb is positioned within the reflector by placing the openings 56 of the slots over the enlarged portions 44 of pins 34 and then the bulb turned slightly to seat the pins 44 adjacent the smaller ends of the slots 54, the springs 46 applying sufficient force to hold the heads 44 tightly against the flange 52 and the latter in contact with the reflector recess thus maintaining the bulb in position.

The flange 52 also serves to support a plurality of arms 60 having their major width in radial planes extending through the central axis of the bulb which in turn removably carry at their extremities a supplementary reflector or shield 62. The arms60 may be secured to the flange 52 in any desired manner, one method being illustrated in Figure 6 wherein tapered slots 64 are provided in the flange 52 to receive tenons or reduced portions 66 formed at the inner extremities of the arms 60. The portions 65 are positioned within the slots 64 and their ends riveted to hold the arms in place. The outer extremities of arms 60 are notched as at 68 to form projections I0.

In present conventional vehicle headlights the light rays from the filaments which are not reflected by the main parabolic reflector radiate outwardly in all directions and are ineffective and uncontrolled. The lens may, to a slight degree, alter the direction of such rays but there remains an objectionable group of unreflected rays. which are harmful to both the driver of the vehicle and approaching motorists. Devices have been utilized to intercept these objectionable rays but they have been unreliable failing to give uniformity of control of rays reflected to the main reflector and the majority impair rather than attests increase the intensity and efficiency of the pro J'ected beam. One of the primary reasons for the ineificient operation of such devices is that they are not definitely and properly located with respect to the filaments and the main reflector.

The present invention overcomes the above objections as the supplementary reflector 62 is of suitable curved or spherical contour, having its edge portion II provided with a plurality of spaced slots I2 adapted to receive the ends of arms 60 at the notched portions 68 thereof by spreading them outwardly and due to the resiliency of the arm 60, the reflector is gripped and held tightly in place. By this arrangement, the reflector 62 is positively and accurately positioned with respect to the axis of the main reflector, being preferably centered about the axis of the upper filament 24 of the bulb 20. Reflector 62 is positioned in opposition to the main reflector I8, the edge portion 'II terminating forwardly of the filaments so that the rays therefrom which normally reach the main reflector are not intercepted by reflector 62. Such an arrangement is desirable to properly intercept only the forwardly projected normally unreflected rays from the filament which ordinarily are ineffective, and redirect the same to project an intense beam of substantially parallel rays toward the direction of travel of the vehicle supplementing the beam normally projected from the main reflector. Thus it will be noted that the heretofore objectionable unreflected rays are intercepted and redirected forwardly in a controlled beam, with the result that the visibility of the driver is greatly increased and the glare in the eyes of approaching drivers is materially decreased.

Another form of supplemental reflector has been illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 10 wherein the small reflector is provided with legs or supports 82 preferably formed integrally with the supplemental reflector, the extremities of the legs 82 being formed with angularly disposed portions 84 slotted as at 86. The slots 86 as illustrated are open ended so that the legs 82 may be readily positioned beneath the enlarged portions 88 of the pins 90. Springs 9| serve to secure the reflector 80 in fixed position with respect to the main reflector and the light sources by applying tension upon pins 90. The position of the supplemental reflector with respect to the 1 light sources and main reflector is governed by the length and position of the legs 82 which may also take any desired form, so that the reflector may be located in its effective position. It is to be noted that the major body portions of the legs 60 and 82 in the forms of the invention so far described have the plane of the greatest Width arranged radially with respect to the light rays emanating from. the filaments in order that the rays will not be intercepted by these elements.

Figures 11, 12, and 13 illustrate another form of the invention, wherein a small reflector I00 is accurately positioned with respect to sources of light 22 and 24 and a main reflector I8 by means of a tripod I02. The tripod I02 is formed with a reflector receiving and positioning portion I03 and a plurality of legs I04 having their minor dimensions in planes extending radially of the axis of the bulb. The legs I04 are formed with inwardly projecting portions I05 having lugs I06 at their extremities are adapted to be received within openings I08 in struck-up portions I 09 of bulb positioning flange II 0 the tripod I02 carrying the reflector I00 forms a subassembly having suflicient inherent resiliency so as to be placed under tension when secured to the bulb positioning flange H0. The latter is so located upon the base III of bulb 28 that one of the filaments is at the focus of the main reflector I8. The supplemental reflector Hill is preferably riveted to the portion H33 of the tripod as at H4 in such manner that the reflector is preferably centered about the axis of the upper filament 24.

The bulb 20 may be positioned with respect to the reflector IS in the manner illustrated in Figures 1 and 8, the tension of springs lZEi being transmitted to the flange Hi3 through pins I2! and flange I22. Enlarged ended slots or openings I25 are provided in flange Hi] to facilitate the application of the supplemental reflector unit assembly to the bulb retaining means.

In Figures 14, 15, and 16 the respective positions and cooperative relationship of the main reflector l8, light sources 22 and 24 and supplemental reflector 62 are illustrated. The lower filament 22 is on the axis of the main reflector and the curvature of the supplemental reflector is centered about the upper filament 24 which is spaced slightly above the filament 22. The axis of the supplemental reflector is preferably parallel to the main reflector axis to produce the angularity of the beams with respect to a horizontal axis as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.

Figure 15 illustrates diagrammatically the beam produced by the supplemental reflector with the upper filament 2Q energized. As the main reflector is parabolic and the filament 24 is located above the axis of the parabola, the normal beam produced by the main reflector is directed downwardly. in the position illustrated, centered upon the upper filament, the rays from filament Z4 intercepted by the supplemental reflector and directed rearwardly to main reflector are redirected therefrom forwardly and downwardly thereby intensifying the beam projected from the main reflector. With the supplemental reflector 62 centered about the upper filament, while the upper filament is energized the rays striking the supplemental reflector will be redirected substantially through the illuminated filament position and those rays striking the main reflector will be tilted downward as though the rays emanated directly from the upper filament. Such a combined beam is particularly effective for city driving or when it is desirable to have a low beam for passing approaching vehicles. When the two filaments 22 and 24 are of different candle power the upper filament may be of lower intensity, as the increased intensity of the beam as a result of the use of the supplemental reflector provides eiflcient illumination. Such an arrangement will greatly conserve the battery energy.

Figure 16 illustrates the beam produced by the supplemental reflector with the lower filament 22 energized. The normal reflected beam produced by a parabolic reflector with the energized source of light at the focus of the parabola is substantially parallel to the reflector axis. By positioning the supplemental reflector upon an axis parallel to and above the axis of the main reflector, the intercepted rays from the lower filament 22 are projected downwardly. As illustrated in Figure 16, when the lower filament is energized the rays from such filament striking the supplemental reflector are redirected back through a point above the upper filament a distance substantially equal to the spacing of the filaments so that such rays from the supple- With the supplemental reflector mental reflector striking the main reflector will be also redirected downwardly. Thus the comparatively high or main beam of the main reflector is projected a considerable distance down the road and a lower or supplemental beam is projected in front of the vehicle when the lower filament 22 is energized, which is particularly desirable for high speed driving. As the lower filament is preferably of comparatively high candle power its effectiveness will be readily apparent. By these arrangements, it will be noted that efilcient illumination is provided, due to the fact that the beam produced by the supplemental reflector is controlled and may thus be directed to secure the most desirable illumination.

It is to be noted that by such an arrangement of controlling the otherwise unreflected rays emanating from the filaments of the lamp bulb that by slightly shifting the position of the supplemental reflector to the right or left that this supplemental controlled beam may be directed to other positions, as for example, when it is desired to increase the beam for illuminating roadsides, ditches and the like, or by shifting the center of the supplemental reflector downward below the axis of the lower filament or the axis of the reflector, the rays from the filaments will be so redirected and controlled by the supplemental reflector that the ultimate projection of such rays from the main reflector will be upward and may be utilized for reading road signs and the like. be desirable to use a colored reflecting surface, as for example, copper color or tint to impart to such supplemental beam a color having nonglaring characteristics.

In this connection, it may.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

What I claim is:

1. In a headlamp the combination of a main reflector; a bulb carried by said reflector and having a. base, an annular projection permanently fixed on said base; a filament in said bulb accurately spaced from said flange and adapted to be located adjacent to the focus of the reflector; a curved supplemental reflector having its reflecting surface in opposition to the main reflector; means to removably support said supplemental reflector from the projection on said base, the curvature of said supplemental reflector being centered about the axis of said filament, said supplemental reflector adapted to intercept forwardly projected rays therefrom and redirect them toward said main reflector.

2. In a headlamp, the combination of a main reflector; a bulb, a plurality of light sources in said bulb, one of which is positioned at the focus of said reflector; a flange accurately spaced from said light sources and fixedly secured to the base of said bulb; a plurality of arms carried by said flange, and a supplementary reflector mounted on said arms and in opposition to said main reflector; said arms having their minor dimensions in planes extending radially of the axis of the bulb.

3. In a headlamp, the combination of a main reflector; a bulb; a plurality of light sources in said bulb, one of which is positioned at the focus of said reflector by a flange fixed to the base of said bulb; a plurality of arms carried by said flange; and a supplementary reflector mounted upon said arms and having its central axis positioned to one side of the axis of said main reflector.

4. An illuminating unit adapted for associathe inherent spring tension therein retains said reflector in position.

5. In a headlamp, the combination of a main reflector; a bulb having a light source; lateral projecting means fixed to the base of the bulb whereby the light source is positioned at the focus of the reflector; a plurality of elements attached to the lateral projecting means; and a supplementary reflector mounted upon said elements and supported in fixed and predetermined position in relation to the light source, whereby the lateral projecting means maintain the light source and supplementary reflector in flxed relation to the focus of the main reflector.

SAMUEL F. ARBUCKLE. 

